Page 23 of Quinton's Quest

“It’s the dog.” I put my knife and fork at the five o’clock position.

He chuckled. A little ruefully. “Lucky has eased the transition. And Gideon had rooms prepared for them. And Archer is great with the kids. He’s from Vancouver, but he built a second homeout here. A retreat of sorts.” He rolled his eyes. “Bigger than any house I’d ever be able to afford.”

“A successful divorce attorney?”

“One of the best in Vancouver. Heck, in British Columbia. I researched him, of course.”

“Of course.” I repeated the words. “He’s in your children’s lives—it’s only natural.”

“He’s a good man. I wanted to find fault with him…but I just can’t. He’s even transitioning some of his practice to Mission City so he doesn’t have to commute to Vancouver.”

“Wow.” I couldn’t see divorces in our small town competing with the rich and famous—and infamous—of Vancouver. “What’s his full name?”

“Archer Chamberlain. Why? Are you going to search for him?”

I shrugged. “In my copious amounts of spare time.”

“Do you have copious amounts of spare time?”

“Is that your way of asking if I’m single? I thought we had this discussion.”

“Being single and having regular hookups are not mutually exclusive.”

“Finish your story.”

He cocked his head.

“About Gideon. Aside from being ecstatic about the kids, how’s he doing?”

“Coping. He’s following the instructions of a physiotherapist he’s started to see. He’s taking non-narcotic painkillers when he needs them, and they’re helping. He did great in counseling. In fact, he tried to suggest I might benefit.”

“Sorry to interrupt. Can I get you folks anything else?” Sarabeth removed our plates.

I met Leo’s gaze.

Again, he cocked his head.

“We’ll split a lava cake, if that’s okay.” Whether I was asking Sarabeth or Leo, I wasn’t entirely certain. The truth was, I could demolish one of those on my own. Tonight, I was ravenous. But I’d be good and share. I planned to do a run on the treadmill in the morning before heading back to the hospital. I’d be tired, but I’d also be invigorated.

“Sounds…intriguing.” He checked his watch.

“I’ll bring it out right away.” Then she was gone.

“Damn. I didn’t mean to imply—” He winced.

I waved him off. “She knows me and that I need to get home to bed if I’m working tomorrow.”

“Oh.”

“Your ex thinks you need counseling?”

“Trust you to remember that.”

“Honey, I remember everything. That’s what makes me good at my job. It also means that, as the center of all kinds of gossip, I need to know when to speak out and when to keep quiet. Your secrets are safe with me.”

“I shouldn’t trust you.”

I leaned forward. “Your cock was in my ass three nights ago. Mine was in your mouth yesterday. Frankly, and I’m not blowing smoke up your ass, you were the best lay I’ve had in a while. If you weren’t such a jackass, I might’ve asked for another go around.”